Wondering about Francis Scott Key and his famous composition? Scott Chamberlain lays out its history and an interpretation sensitive to complexity:
There has been much criticism recently that the song is a bit of a johnny-come-lately as far as national symbols go. It only became the official anthem in 1931, right?
Well, yes… but that overlooks its long patriotic history.
In the wake of the War of 1812, The Star-Spangled Banner quickly became established as a popular patriotic song, joining other important tunes of the time like Hail Colombia andYankee Doodle. It was a mainstay at military parades and historical pageants throughout the country. During the Civil War-era it was somewhat overshadowed by more topical songs that spoke more explicitly about freedom and union, like The Battle Hymn of the Republic or Rally ‘Round the Flag. Even so, The Star-Spangled Banner continued be used by the union army, and in 1861 poet Oliver Wendell Holmes wrote a new verse to support the Union cause in the Civil War and denounce “the traitor that dares to defile the flag of her stars.”
As usual, Scott covers the entire issue in detail. Why? He used to be a historian.
